Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are transforming the renewable energy landscape, becoming integral to the stability and efficiency of modern power grids. At the forefront of this transformation is RRC’s BESS team, comprising experts Danielle Vournas, Tim Freeburn, Razvan Balea-Nita, and Anis Rahman. In a recent interview, they shed light on the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their pioneering work.
The BESS sector has seen significant evolution over the past five years. The US has seen big jumps in the number of GW installed, the ways BESS is utilized, and the number of technical solutions coming to market. One trend in technology Danielle highlighted is the rise of plug-and-play systems, which simplifies installation by integrating batteries and inverters into a single unit.
Razvan Balea-Nita highlighted another critical trend: the scaling up of project sizes. “What used to be considered a large project five years ago, around 50 to 100 MW, is now seen as small to medium. Today’s large projects often range between 200 to 300 MW,” he noted. This shift is driving the industry towards larger, more complex installations, necessitating advanced engineering and innovative solutions.
The expansion of BESS projects is also straining transmission infrastructure and land availability. Danielle pointed out the growing issues in transmission planning and the increasing resistance from local communities, often referred to as the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) effect. These challenges are pushing developers to seek smaller, decentralized generation projects to avoid transmission bottlenecks and land use conflicts.
Despite not being directly involved in transmission planning, RRC’s team plays a crucial role in addressing other significant challenges. Danielle emphasized the importance of collaboration with developers and EPC contractors to ensure projects meet stringent permitting requirements, particularly in states like California and Texas. Razvan added, “We have experience navigating the complex regulatory landscapes in these regions, which allows us to anticipate and address potential issues proactively.”
Tim Freeburn noted how codes are being adapted from parallel industry standards, and how quickly new code is evolving for BESS specifically. This adaptation leads to variability in how certain aspects of projects are interpreted and approved by local authorities. “There are a lot of gray areas right now, but as we continue to complete more projects, these codes and standards are becoming clearer, paving the way for smoother approvals and implementations,” he explained.
Anis pointed out the continuous improvement in the battery industry and innovation in cell chemistry leading to higher power density have resulted in larger BESS projects. Additionally, the advancements in the inverter industry with higher capacity inverters and PCS, along with storage batteries, have led to the foundation of the current BESS industry. Apart from Li-ion batteries, there are other non-lithium battery technologies gaining momentum in the BESS industry, such as flow batteries and hydrogen storage, among others. The current market scenario and the global green initiative are driving the industry forward. “Every project can bring new advancements, whether it’s a change in cell chemistry, innovative cable management or progressive plug and play. These innovations require us to be adaptable and quick to implement new solutions,” he said.
RRC’s BESS team prides itself on its responsiveness and proactive approach. Clients appreciate their ability to deliver high-quality, detailed packages quickly, ensuring projects stay on track. Razvan mentioned, “Our clients value our responsiveness and our ability to meet tight deadlines. We strive to be proactive in anticipating their needs and addressing potential challenges before they become issues.”
Complete, comprehensive design drawing packages are key to being able to deliver these high-quality, detailed packages on time and on budget; and making permit approvals and field installations quicker and more efficient. RRC’s CAD Design Team brings the experience critical to creating these comprehensive electrical design packages, not often found in this new industry. The BESS CAD Team prides themselves on robust, quality designs and clean, detailed work. They are a team that is constantly advancing their CAD capabilities and modeling processes, to create the most complete and comprehensive drawing packages in the industry.
The team’s commitment to quality is another standout feature. Danielle described their robust QA/QC process, involving meticulous reviews and cross-discipline collaboration to ensure every aspect of a project is thoroughly vetted. “We take pride in our detailed and high-quality deliverables, which set us apart from competitors,” she said.
Safety is paramount in BESS projects, and RRC’s team is diligent in adhering to evolving safety standards and codes. Danielle mentioned their close work with fire safety experts to stay abreast of new safety requirements. “We recommend best practices and compliance with the latest NFPA and NEC standards, even when they are not mandated, to ensure the highest safety levels,” she emphasized.
RRC’s BESS team is at the cutting edge of an industry that is rapidly evolving. Their ability to navigate complex challenges, adopt innovative solutions, and maintain high standards of quality and safety positions them as leaders in the field. As the BESS industry continues to grow, RRC’s expertise and proactive approach will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy storage.